Flight Test Engineer

Redwire Defense Tech; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Matching 401(k)

Paid PTO

Paid holidays

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disable

HSA and FSA Options

Critical Care Plan

Accident Care Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESSP)

Job summary

Redwire Defense Tech in San Luis Obispo, CA is seeking an Entry-Level Flight Test Engineer to support planning, execution, and analysis of UAV testing. This role involves hands-on support for test preparation, instrumentation, data collection, troubleshooting, and documentation.

You'll assist with pre-flight checks, real-time data monitoring, and post-test reporting, collaborating across engineering disciplines and participating in outdoor test activities at local ranges.

Qualifications

• B.S. in a flight/UAV related engineering field (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or similar).
• Coursework or project experience in aerospace systems, UAVs, robotics, or flight‑related engineering disciplines.
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems, telemetry concepts, or controls (academic or hobby experience acceptable).
• Ability to follow structured test procedures and maintain clear documentation.
• Basic electrical and mechanical troubleshooting aptitude.
• Ability to work cooperatively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Microsoft Office (especially Word, Excel).

Responsibilities

• Test Planning & Coordination: assist in reviewing design and test requirements to support development of test plans and procedures.
• Flight Test Execution: participate in ground and flight test operations and assist with real‑time monitoring of flight data.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: collect, organize, and analyze flight test data; prepare test reports and findings.
• Safety & Risk Management: follow safety protocols and contribute to risk assessments for outdoor tests.
• Continuous Improvement: support refinement of test methodologies and stay informed on UAS technologies.

Skills

Documentation

Data interpretation

Team collaboration

Education

B.S. in a flight/UAV related engineering field

Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

WORK LOCATION: San Luis Obispo, CA

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $85,000 to $116,000 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.

SUMMARY
The Entry-Level Flight Test Engineer supports the planning, execution, and analysis of component, subsystem, and system-level testing for unmanned aircraft systems. This role provides hands‑on support for flight test preparation, instrumentation, data collection, troubleshooting, and documentation.
This position offers exposure to a steady flight test cadence, collaboration across engineering disciplines, and regular opportunities to participate in outdoor test activities at local and remote flight test ranges. The Entry‑Level Flight Test Engineer is eager to learn, comfortable working in dynamic environments, and motivated to develop strong technical and operational skills as part of a rapidly advancing UAS program.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.

Test Planning & Coordination

• Assist in reviewing design and test requirements to support development of test plans and procedures.
• Support coordination efforts with design, systems, and software engineers during test preparation activities.
• Gain familiarity with aviation regulations, safety standards, and compliance considerations relevant to UAS testing.

Flight Test Execution

• Support pre-flight inspections, system checks, and readiness activities.
• Participate in ground and flight test operations alongside experienced flight test engineers and operators.
• Assist with real‑time monitoring of flight data, documenting observations and deviations.
• Help troubleshoot issues that arise during testing and contribute to corrective actions under guidance.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Collect, organize, and perform basic analysis on flight test data.
• Assist in preparing test reports, documenting results, findings, and preliminary recommendations.
• Present summarized findings to engineering teams as part of post‑test reviews.

Safety & Risk Management

• Follow established safety protocols during all phases of testing.
• Contribute to risk assessments and mitigation plans for outdoor and remote test activities.
• Participate in post‑test debriefs to help identify lessons learned and improvements.

Continuous Improvement

• Support refinement of test methodologies, procedures, and tools.
• Stay informed of industry trends and evolving UAS technologies.
• Collaborate effectively across teams and contribute positively to organizational learning and test discipline maturity.

• This role may require up to 25% travel
• Expect significant time spent outdoors in various weather conditions to support routine flight test operations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The following are a non‑exhaustive list of qualifications for the position:

• B.S. in a flight/UAV related engineering field (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or similar).
• Coursework or project experience in aerospace systems, UAVs, robotics, or flight‑related engineering disciplines.
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems, telemetry concepts, or controls (academic or hobby experience acceptable).
• Ability to follow structured test procedures and maintain clear documentation.
• Basic electrical and mechanical troubleshooting aptitude.
• Ability to work cooperatively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Microsoft Office (especially Word, Excel).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with UAV or RC aircraft operation.
• Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
• Exposure to environmental or system‑level testing through internships or academic teams.
• Familiarity with aviation regulations or airworthiness standards applicable to unmanned systems.
• Experience analyzing engineering or flight data using MATLAB, Python, or similar tools.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS

• Matching 401(k)
• Paid PTO
• Paid holidays
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• HSA and FSA Options
• Critical Care Plan
• Accident Care Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESSP)

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able to lift up 30 pounds as needed.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Redwire Defense Tech is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an “At‑Will” basis.